Tendrils of blue smoke wafted up from Ash’s fingers as he drummed the table. Toying with her pearl choker, Misty ignored his impatience. He glared at his sister until she met his graze and then checked his Rolex. Misty rubbed her damp palms on her twisted cloth napkin.

“The others will be here soon. Just cool down,” Misty said.

Ash crackled with annoyance. Misty pushed a damp curl behind her ear and focused on the restaurant door. Just then a swift breeze blew across the restaurant extinguishing the tiny fingers of flames hust emerging on Ash’s hands. Petrichor flooded in as Gust entered.

Arms wide, Gust rushed to their table. Misty leapt into her brother’s arms. Next he gave Ash a hearty handshake and then pulled him into a breath-stopping hug. Ash laughed in spite of himself.

“So sis why the secret gathering? And why human form? What’s popping rain dropping?” Gust asked.

“Humans are just easier. Besides last time we all got sand in our exoskeletons. We’ll wait for the others, okay,” Misty said patting Gust’s arm.

“Sure like Dad is gonna show? Let’s all pretend Father Time keeps promises,” Ash said with a snort.

“He’ll be here in his own good time,” Misty said, dabbing at the corners of her eyes quickly.

Outside there was an angry clap of thunder. Misty banged her fist on the table. Crossing his arms, Ash smoldered in his chair. Quickly Gust motioned to a waitress with a sweep of his arm. A summer breeze coursed from the kitchen to the bar.

“Of course he will my little rainbow. And I texted Dusty on the way over. No worries,” Gust said.

Ash huffed. Misty sniffed. And Gust whistled “It’s Raining Men,” while pursuing the menu. When the waitress approached, he ordered a round of Long Island ice teas and a tray of chocolate cupcakes. The table thumped as the server walked away. Dusty peeked out from the table.

“I’m not late. I’m fashionably on time,” Dusty said.

Snapping, Ash released a distracting flash of lightning. Rain clouds downpoured in relief. Gust helped Dusty up and tugged her in for a bear hug. The waitress confused by the arrival of the extra guest, dropped off the drinks and the desserts. Dusty grabbed a pastry and a cocktail and launched into two fisted imbibing.

“Early is on time, on time is late and you’re ridiculous,” Ash said. “What did Dad say?”

Dusty took another hearty bite. Groaning with delight, her eyes rolled into the back of her head.

“He sends his love and said he’d support us regardless,” Dusty said. “Or he sends his support and he loves us regardless. You know dad.”

The siblings all nodded knowingly.

“What gives surf and turf? What aren’t you telling us?”

Gust leaned in. The four gathered closer. All eyes flooded Misty.

“It’s Mother. I think we think something’s wrong? She’s checked out, listless. I think she’s um…””

“Depressed af,” Dusty said eating another mouthful of chocolate cupcake.

“I noticed she doesn’t enjoy the things she used to revel in. Little things, bird wings and vestigial tails,” Misty said. “I know we’ve all noticed something’s changed.”

Outside the rain pelted the windows. The siblings were quiet. Gust, Ash, and Misty joined hands. The imbalance of Mother Nature beat in their hearts. They each considered the ebb in Mother Nature’s energy. Gust, Ash, and Misty took each others’ hands. Dusty licked her fingers.

The “so what now,” question settled at the table. Misty’s phone rang. Dad appeared on the screen. Together they discussed what needed to be said as the rain petered away.